You are here

Hollywood Bound

News Feature

News & Events

April 22, 2012

In a packed campus center ballroom, BSU's fifth annual Campus MovieFest Finale premiered sixteen of the university's tops student films, three of which will go on to represent the university at CMF Hollywood in June. [br][br]The three winning films off to Hollywood are: "I Love You, Pizza" (Best Comedy), "The Frame" (Best Drama), and "Heretic" (Best Picture). Those films will compete against 75 of the nation's top student films at the CMF competition, known as the nation's largest student film festival. There, students will have the opportunity to network with Hollywood executives and much more. [br][br]Watch all of this year's BSU student films on the [link]Campus MovieFest website| http://www.campusmoviefest.com/festivals/327-bridgewater-state-university[/link]. For many photos from the event, visit the event's [link]Facebook page|https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150680515622928.395730.36172707927&type=1[/link].[br][br][b]Ed Cabellon[/b], director of the Rondileau Campus Center said the CMF program has grown exponentially on campus in its five years, attracting students who may not usually get involved in programs on campus. "This has spawned a culture of filmmaking at BSU that I never would have expected," he said. [br][br]Estimated attendance at the event was 500 campus community members, friends and family. [br][br]Two students who caught the film bug are [b]Rob Morton[/b] of Haverhill, writer and director of "Heretic," and [b]Kelsey Bryant[/b] of Marshfield, who wrote and directed a comedy, "Lady in Red." The communication studies majors have been involved with the project for four years. [br][br]"It's an amazing opportunity for us to further our communication careers," said Mr. Morton, whose winning drama revolves around a father's undying love for his daughter. [br][br]With word-of-mouth and social networking, Mr. Morton was able to raise funds and gather actors from the community for his film. His film also won the coveted Golden Tripod award. [br][br]Both students said one of the best parts was working with and learning from people like veteran CMF participant [b]Jim Sass[/b], '10, and other students who pitched in. "It's a real team effort," said Ms. Bryant. [br][br]Ms. Bryant's film took a different take on the elusive cartoon criminal Carmen San Diego, who evades capture at all costs. The story is about feeling the need to run away, which has universal appeal, said Mr. Bryant. "It's like she's trying to escape something," she said. "I think we all can relate to that."[br][br]For her efforts, she walked away the "Best Actress" winner of the night for her role as the titular character. [br][br]Filmmaking teams generally consist of a handful of students. They have just one week to complete the project from beginning to end. [br][br]It was tough, but the two veteran student filmmakers said it was rewarding for themselves and hopefully for younger students just getting into the contest. [br][br]"If anything, I hope the experience will benefit other students," said Mr. Morton, noting some of the previous student films that inspired him as a freshman, such as "Scrabble: The Motion Picture" by alumnus [b]Alex Perry[/b], which won the Best Comedy award at the CMF nationals. "I remember those films inspired me in so many ways."[br][br]From now until May 4, all the student films will compete in the Wild Card competition, meaning the movie with the most online views will be selected to compete for a chance to screen during CMF Hollywood. Students can also compete in CMF Millionaire, by getting one million views on their submitted film by the CMF Hollywood event or by submitting another short. (Rob Matheson, '07, University Advancement)[br]

Kelsey Bryant (far right) receives her 'Best Actress' award

Rob Morton (second from left) jokes around with his crew before the event